[BUG] New Group JID

[preiser-at]

• WhatsApp version: 2.25.8.84
• OS: Android - 15
• Platform: Windows 10 64-bit
• Exporter's branch and version: main (2025/02/16)
• Python version installed: 3.9.13 (32-bit)

I get the following error in cmd when trying to use the tool.

After the error the decrypted file msgstore.db exists in the working dir. But trying to repeat with "wtsexporter -a" brings the same error:

working directory:

thumbnails directory created by the exporter tool

[KnugiHK]

The JID in question ends with @g.us, which indicates it's a group chat. The format of JID for a group chat has traditionally been [creator phone number]-[creation timestamp]@g.us. In your case, the dash is missing, which is likely causing the error in media().

After a quick search, it seems there's a possibility that WhatsApp has removed the dash in newer versions. Therefore, I believe removing the dash from the JID during processing is a reasonable solution and should fix the issue you're encountering.

[preiser-at]

OK and how can I remove the dash from the JID during processing? I am not sure if I understand what you describe. There i a problem with a group chat in my whatsapp? But which one? And how to remove anything during processing on the Windows PC?

[KnugiHK]

OK and how can I remove the dash from the JID during processing? I am not sure if I understand what you describe. There i a problem with a group chat in my whatsapp? But which one? And how to remove anything during processing on the Windows PC?

One workaround could be to modify your database and remove all the dashes. However, it's recommended to wait for an official fix instead.

[preiser-at]

OK so it is a real issue with you exporter and I will wait for a future version? Thanks a lot for your ultraquick answers :-)

[preiser-at]

You are completely right, here is the JID table, assuming the higher the ID the newer the groupchat it seems whatsapp has switched some time ago

[KnugiHK]

Yeah, instead of removing the dash I had previously guessed, it seems the JID is now being randomly generated or purely time-based maybe?

[KnugiHK]

Yeah, instead of removing the dash I had previously guessed, it seems the JID is now being randomly generated or purely time-based maybe?

If this is the case, the dash shouldn't be the burden for the exporter...

[preiser-at]

Seems so, yeah. Thanks for your work, looking forward to the new version to test your exporter and get a backup of my whatsapp on my PC :-)